The Lamarr Williamson School of Photography and Professional Photographers of South Carolina , Officers and Board of Directors welcome you to the “Lamarr School”. To become familiar with the benefits and activities, we sincerely encourage you to go through this entire handbook. the Lamarr School convenes one week out of every year for in-depth courses and also plans courses throughout the year for the purpose of educating professional photographers from throughout the United States and the World.

If you choose to use the Columbia airport, one of our Ambassadors will provide transportation to and from the airport as a courtesy to you. Please make these arrangements with the directors. If you are staying at the host hotels (Hilton and Hampton Inn) in the Vista area, you are in easy walking distance of the Columbia Convention Center where classes are being held.

TO AND FROM THE EDUCATIONAL CENTER

The friendly atmosphere of the school lends itself to automatic car-pooling once classes have formed. It is as easy as asking anyone and often you will know several attendees already. Transportation between some off site class and motels has never been a problem for students.

REGISTRATION WILL BE SUNDAY

Registration starts at 6 pm on Sunday in the meeting rooms of the assigned hotel or center. Please plan your travel to be on time. Self-Parking is Free at the hotel. There is ample parking at the hotel/conference center. A short orientation and a program from the Director, John Herrel, of the Lamarr School will be at 6pm. All students are required to attend registration and orientation! Those not present at registration & orientation will not be issued packets and name badges.

MEALS

Breakfast is the responsibility of the attendee and MAY be discounted or free if registered as an overnight guest of one of the host hotels. Lunch is included every day for registered students only who have fully paid school tuition. Three evening meals are provided. One night you are on your own. Many students will choose to spend this time together to discuss each day’s classes, information and to network and spend time with one another. There are several convenient places to eat near the hotel/conference center in downtown Columbia.

LODGING

The host hotel will be listed on the website for each event. Be sure to request the LAMARR SCHOOL group discounted room rate, and we advise that your reservation be for the Lamarr Williamson School of Photography or Professional Photographers of South Carolina. Some evening functions will be held at the hotel.

RECORDERS

Battery operated tape recorders are permitted at your seat. No extension cords, please. Absolutely no video cameras will be permitted in any class.

MASTER CAMERA

Most instructors will be using a “Master Camera,” from which a set of photographs (representative of the week’s work) will be posted online for everyone’s review.

STUDENT “NEED LIST” FOR CLASSES

Everyone is expected to bring at least 4 examples of their work for the instructor’s analysis. Some instructors have specific items they would like for you to bring. A separate letter will be sent for those or you can email your instructor.

ATTENDING SCHOOL

The training facilities are at the host hotel and/or assigned locations. There may be short trips to a few different locations for shooting. Registration and Orientation is 6 pm – 7pm on Sunday, September 24 and is REQUIRED. Classes begin Monday September 25 at 8am. Class runs daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some instructors having evening sessions with their class, as announced.

NO CHILDREN OR SPOUSES ALLOWED IN THE CLASS ROOM

ADDITIONAL COSTS

As far as school is concerned, there is no additional cost to you. Your personal needs are your expense. Demonstration equipment, prop sets, and other items used in classes may be available for sale at reduced prices to students. Door prizes will be given away each day during the week. NOTE: If not previously paid, balance of tuition must be cash or credit card.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS

Refunds are limited!

For 4-Day classes: There are no refunds or credits if you cancel 30 days or less before the class. Full cash refunds are available up to 4 months before the class. Partial refunds or 100% credit towards a NEXT year class are available up to 30 days before class. If you want to discuss a cancellation, please contact John Herrel, Director of the Lamarr School 803.420.3660.

NATIONAL MERITS

The LAMARR SCHOOL is authorized to offer 2 PPA merits for attending a four day LAMARR SCHOOL class and 1 merit for some, but not all, 1-2 day classes. Please check with the school to verify. In order for you to receive a national merit, you MUST BE a member of the Professional Photographers of America and attend the prescribed hours required through Thursday. The merits are handed to the student after class has been completed. It is your responsibility to furnish us with your PPA number at registration.

CLASS PHOTOGRAPH

A class photograph will be taken during the early part of the week. You will be notified when and where the photographs are to be taken. (Usually Monday afternoon.)

PUBLICITY PHOTOGRAPH

A publicity photograph with the instructor is the option of the instructor. Though the instructors are not required to do so, we certainly encourage you to create a photograph for your own scrapbook or publicity in your local newspaper. This is an excellent way to receive valuable publicity.

STUDENT PACKET

After completing the course, you will receive a packet. In it will be a class portrait, PPA Merits, (if you are eligible), a LAMARR SCHOOL certificate, and a class list so that you can keep track of the friends you have made at the LAMARR SCHOOL and a news release for your local newspaper.

PREFERRED ALUMNI LIST

Once an alumni of the LAMARR SCHOOL, you will be given a preferred mailing status and be the first to receive our new class information for the following term.

BE LOOKING FOR IT!

“THANK YOU!” for the insight to improve your professional image and helping us to better serve our profession. Please watch the web site for important updates before the school. This is going to be an awesome year at the LAMARR SCHOOL. There is a schedule on the web site that is intended to give a basic framework of the week. A new schedule will be published before the school with the final changes.

DRESS INFORMALLY.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES AND EASY WALKING SHOES.